State College, PA - News - WJAC TV Newshttp://www.statecollege.com/news/wjac/
WJAC TV News for Johnstown, Altoona, State College provided by StateCollege.comen-ushttp://www.statecollege.com/news/altoona-local/fire-damages-blair-county-apartment-building,1352907/Fire damages Blair County apartment buildinghttp://www.statecollege.com/news/altoona-local/fire-damages-blair-county-apartment-building,1352907/
Firefighters in Blair County worked to put out flames in an Altoona apartment building Tuesday afternoon.
Blair County emergency dispatch said the fire was reported just before 12:30 p.m. in an apartment building along the 2700 block of Broad Avenue.
Officials at the scene said the fire wasTue, 23 Jul 2013 14:54:14 -0400

Firefighters in Blair County worked to put out flames in an Altoona apartment building Tuesday afternoon.

Blair County emergency dispatch said the fire was reported just before 12:30 p.m. in an apartment building along the 2700 block of Broad Avenue.

Officials at the scene said the fire was contained to a single apartment. There were three people, a man and two young children, who lived inside the unit. They were not home at the time of the fire.

The unit that caught fire was the only occupied apartment in the building and all others were vacant, officials said.

The Altoona fire department was investigating the cause of the blaze and city code officials were also at the scene.

]]>http://www.statecollege.com/news/altoona-local/fire-damages-blair-county-apartment-building,1352907/
Read Morehttp://www.statecollege.com/news/wjac/pa-state-police-stepping-up-enforcement-along-i80,1352860/PA state police stepping up enforcement along I-80http://www.statecollege.com/news/wjac/pa-state-police-stepping-up-enforcement-along-i80,1352860/
Leadfoots, distracted drivers and aggressive drivers beware: State police and highway patrol agencies across 11 states will be targeting Interstate 80 in an effort to reduce accidents and fatalities on the highway.
Officials with the Pennsylvania State Police said today troopers will be Tue, 23 Jul 2013 13:27:22 -0400

Leadfoots, distracted drivers and aggressive drivers beware: State police and highway patrol agencies across 11 states will be targeting Interstate 80 in an effort to reduce accidents and fatalities on the highway.

Officials with the Pennsylvania State Police said today troopers will be participating in the “I-80 Challenge,” designed to make travel along the highway safer and reduce the number of crashes, injuries and fatalities along the corridor.

Police said the multi-state enforcement effort will begin Wednesday and run through July 31. The goal of the eight-day operation is to have zero fatalities along I-80 nationwide.

I-80 spans 11 states over 2,900 miles and was being targeted as the result of data that showed an increase in traffic fatalities along I-80 during the summer vacation period, police said.

Officials said motorists can expect to see an increased, highly visible presence along the corridor and remind drivers to obey all speed limits, wear seatbelts and limit driving distractions.

]]>http://www.statecollege.com/news/wjac/pa-state-police-stepping-up-enforcement-along-i80,1352860/
Read Morehttp://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/judge-approves-matt-sandusky-family-name-change-documents-possibly-to-be-sealed,1352806/Judge approves Matt Sandusky, family name change, documents possibly to be sealedhttp://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/judge-approves-matt-sandusky-family-name-change-documents-possibly-to-be-sealed,1352806/
Sources have confirmed to 6 News that family members of convicted child sexual abuser Jerry Sandusky have had their request to change their names approved, and a request to have court documents sealed in the case is under review.
6 News first reported the name-change paperwork was filed on July 17,Tue, 23 Jul 2013 12:08:37 -0400

Sources have confirmed to 6 News that family members of convicted child sexual abuser Jerry Sandusky have had their request to change their names approved, and a request to have court documents sealed in the case is under review.

6 News first reported the name-change paperwork was filed on July 17, and Tuesday reporter Gary Sinderson confirmed that petition to change the names of Matt Sandusky, his current wife, their child and three of his children from a previous marriage, was approved.

Matt Sandusky is the adopted son of Jerry Sandusky.

Sinderson reported that a new motion to seal all proceedings regarding the name change petition was filed in Centre County Court Monday.

Sinderson reported that generally the new name remains public, but a judge has agreed to review the special provision to seal the new names and all court related paperwork.

Sinderson reported with the documents being sealed, there would be no legal public record that the name change request was made.

Jerry Sandusky was sentenced in October 2012 to 30-60 years in state prison after being found guilty abusing 10 boys.

]]>http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/judge-approves-matt-sandusky-family-name-change-documents-possibly-to-be-sealed,1352806/
Read Morehttp://www.statecollege.com/news/wjac/beyonces-hair-caught-in-stage-fan-during-concert-see-video,1352622/Beyonce's hair caught in stage fan during concert (see video)http://www.statecollege.com/news/wjac/beyonces-hair-caught-in-stage-fan-during-concert-see-video,1352622/
Singer Beyonce got her hair caught in an electrical stage fan during a concert in Montreal last night.
The singer continued to belt out her song Halo while stage and concert staff tried to free her.
Several of the singer's fans caught video of the incident and quickly posted to social media.Tue, 23 Jul 2013 08:28:59 -0400

Singer Beyonce got her hair caught in an electrical stage fan during a concert in Montreal last night.

The singer continued to belt out her song Halo while stage and concert staff tried to free her.

Several of the singer's fans caught video of the incident and quickly posted to social media.

Beyonce posted a handwritten note on Instagram with reworked lyrics to Halo to include the line: "Gravity can't begin to pull me out of the fan again."

]]>http://www.statecollege.com/news/wjac/beyonces-hair-caught-in-stage-fan-during-concert-see-video,1352622/
Read Morehttp://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/only-two-concepts-remain-in-state-high-upgrade-project,1352387/Only two concepts remain in State High upgrade projecthttp://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/only-two-concepts-remain-in-state-high-upgrade-project,1352387/
And then there were two. The State College Area School Board making some important cuts Monday night. Taking the six high school upgrade options down to two--Concepts B and D. The ones supported most by the community based on a recent scientific survey.
Dr. Robert O'Donnell, Superintendent, SCASD,Mon, 22 Jul 2013 21:52:16 -0400

And then there were two. The State College Area School Board making some important cuts Monday night. Taking the six high school upgrade options down to two--Concepts B and D. The ones supported most by the community based on a recent scientific survey.

Dr. Robert O'Donnell, Superintendent, SCASD, says, “We need the majority of our community's support through the referendum process to make this solution actually be realized for our community."

Concept B means additions and renovations to both the North and South buildings with a walkway connecting the two. Concept D moves all academic areas to the South building, using the North building for the pool and the gym. Only the South building will undergo renovations and additions. Though not everyone agrees on these two options, the survey shows almost everyone is invested in making the high school safer.

O’Donnell adds, "Safety and security are two of the highest priorities from the community."

And though the groundbreaking for the high school project is still a while away, new security measures will be put into place this fall at State High.

O’Donnell says, “We'll make changes to security at our facilities, but also that impacts procedures, how we operate with 2,000 students per day."

]]>http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/only-two-concepts-remain-in-state-high-upgrade-project,1352387/
Read Morehttp://www.statecollege.com/news/altoona-local/arrest-made-in-elk-county-arson-others-remain-unsolved,1352340/Arrest made in Elk County arson, others remain unsolvedhttp://www.statecollege.com/news/altoona-local/arrest-made-in-elk-county-arson-others-remain-unsolved,1352340/
Nearly 11 months after an Elk County house fire was ruled arson, authorities said an arrest had been made, but that several other arson cases in the county remained open.
State police at Ridgway and Johnsonburg police announced the arrest in the August 2012 arson Monday.
State police said aMon, 22 Jul 2013 19:42:23 -0400

Nearly 11 months after an Elk County house fire was ruled arson, authorities said an arrest had been made, but that several other arson cases in the county remained open.

State police at Ridgway and Johnsonburg police announced the arrest in the August 2012 arson Monday.

State police said a 17-year-old boy has been charged for setting a fire at home at 236 Main St. in Johnsonburg on Aug. 25, 2012. His name was not released.

Police said the fire was set around 2 a.m. at the home owned by Martin Hinchliffe, of Ridgway. Previous 6 News reports said the home was abandoned at the time of the fire.

Charges were filed with juvenile authorities in Elk County court, police said. Those charges included arson, burglary, criminal trespass, risking a catastrophe, criminal mischief and reckless endangering another person.

No injuries were reported in the fire and damage was estimated at approximately $6,000.

During the summer of 2012, state police and local municipal police departments investigated a number of arsons in communities across Elk County.

Several of those fires were solved and arrests were made, investigators said. However, at least five other fires remained unsolved and police said their investigations into those fires remained active.

Police said a fire on June 17, 2012, at 429 Walnut St. in Ridgway, remained under investigation. In that fire, the rear porch of a home owned by Stephen Gausman was set on fire.

No one was home at the time of fire and at least $200,000 worth of damage was reported, previous 6 News reports stated.

State police said the investigation has continued into the old Johnsonburg Hotel fire that was reported on June 28, 2012. Previous 6 News reports stated the building had been vacant and that fire started on an upper floor in the building.

On July 2, 2012, state police said arson was to blame for a fire at the old St. Joe’s Club at 703 Market St. in Johnsonburg. Previous reports said the building had been vacant for at least two years prior to the fire.

In an original state police report regarding the St. Joe’s Club fire, police said the fire started on a second floor wood porch and a firefighter suffered a minor injury while battling the flames. The cause of the fire remains unsolved.

State police said their investigation of a vehicle fire in Saint Mary’s remained under investigation. On July 10, 2012, a Ford sedan was found on fire in the driveway of a home at 141 Rettger St.

Officials also confirmed their investigation remained active into an arson at 208 Church St. in Johnsonburg. That fire happened on Aug. 21, 2012.

Previous 6 News reports stated the fire at the home of Robert Abplanalp started in a detached garage, spread to his house, and also damaged three other nearby houses and a car. Damage was estimated at approximately $200,000.

State police said all unsolved arsons remained under investigation and anyone with information was asked to contact their local police department or the fire marshal unit at 814-776-6136.

]]>http://www.statecollege.com/news/altoona-local/arrest-made-in-elk-county-arson-others-remain-unsolved,1352340/
Read Morehttp://www.statecollege.com/news/wjac/planes-nose-gear-collapses-in-laguardia-landing,1352298/Plane's nose gear collapses in LaGuardia landinghttp://www.statecollege.com/news/wjac/planes-nose-gear-collapses-in-laguardia-landing,1352298/
Officials say the nose gear of a&nbsp;plane&nbsp;landing at New York's LaGuardia Airport collapsed as the aircraft touched down on the runway. The Federal Aviation Administration says the&nbsp;plane&nbsp;landed safely and no injuries were reported
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey hasMon, 22 Jul 2013 18:23:39 -0400

Officials say the nose gear of a plane landing at New York's LaGuardia Airport collapsed as the aircraft touched down on the runway. The Federal Aviation Administration says the plane landed safely and no injuries were reported

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has temporarily closed the airport.

The FAA says the Southwest Airlines flight from Nashville landed at 5:45 p.m. Monday and safely came to a stop on the tarmac with the front of the plane pointing down to the ground. The plane, which was carrying 149 passengers and crew, was surrounded with emergency vehicles.

]]>http://www.statecollege.com/news/wjac/planes-nose-gear-collapses-in-laguardia-landing,1352298/
Read Morehttp://www.statecollege.com/news/altoona-local/police-searching-for-blair-county-ice-cream-store-robber,1352299/Police searching for Blair County ice cream store robberhttp://www.statecollege.com/news/altoona-local/police-searching-for-blair-county-ice-cream-store-robber,1352299/
Police in Blair County are searching for a man who robbed a Tyrone ice cream parlor Monday afternoon.
Police said a man entered the Gardner&rsquo;s Candies Ice Cream Parlor on West 10th Street just before 4 p.m., showed a knife and demanded money.
Police there were at least three or fourMon, 22 Jul 2013 18:21:09 -0400

Police in Blair County are searching for a man who robbed a Tyrone ice cream parlor Monday afternoon.

Police said a man entered the Gardner’s Candies Ice Cream Parlor on West 10th Street just before 4 p.m., showed a knife and demanded money.

Police there were at least three or four witnesses who were in the store at the time of the robbery, but none of them were injured.

The man got away with an undisclosed amount of money, and investigators were collecting sweeping for fingerprints within an hour after the reported robbery, officials said.

Police described the suspect as a male, 5 feet 10 inches tall and was wearing a blue flannel shirt at the time of the robbery.

Officials said the ice cream shop reopened shortly after 6 p.m.

Tyrone police were leading the robbery investigation. They were assisted by Pennsylvania State Police and Blair County probation officers in their initial search for the robber.

]]>http://www.statecollege.com/news/altoona-local/police-searching-for-blair-county-ice-cream-store-robber,1352299/
Read Morehttp://www.statecollege.com/news/altoona-local/hearing-waived-for-adults-accused-of-supplying-alcohol-to-minors,1352300/Hearing waived for adults accused of supplying alcohol to minorshttp://www.statecollege.com/news/altoona-local/hearing-waived-for-adults-accused-of-supplying-alcohol-to-minors,1352300/
It's a case 6 News has been following closely:&nbsp;seven&nbsp;adults charged with giving alcohol to teenagers at a party in Jackson Township last year. Those adults were in court for the first time Monday morning, but instead of facing a judge, they waived the case to trial.Even though&nbsp;theMon, 22 Jul 2013 17:47:26 -0400

It's a case 6 News has been following closely: seven adults charged with giving alcohol to teenagers at a party in Jackson Township last year. Those adults were in court for the first time Monday morning, but instead of facing a judge, they waived the case to trial.

Even though the allegations stem back to more than a year ago, Monday morning would have been the first time the adults faced a judge for the case. It would have most likely also been the first time they were all in the same room with their accusers -- about a dozen teenagers who were prepared to take the stand and testify against them.

"We would have had everyone testify, if need be," said Anthony Marmo, deputy attorney general for the state of Pennsylvania.

"We waived our hearing today because we were exploring many options and had no need for testimony to be offered today," said defense attorney Bob Gleason.

Police said Brian and Tara Peterman, Ronald and Debra Crusan, Brian and Veronica Burkett and Jacqueline Neves gave alcohol to the minors during parties at their neighboring homes July 4, 2012.

"The parents did serve alcohol to at least seven minors," said Marmo.

The criminal complaint said the minors, who were 12 and 13 years old at the time, were given several types of alcohol during the party, some of them encouraged to drink until they got sick. But Gleason said the party where it is alleged the activity occurred is a party well-known in the community and one the adults held every year without any problems.

"We have never had an allegation that the minors were improperly served liquor," said Gleason. "The party was renowned by the community as being wholesome. The defendants have children of their own, and they observe the laws."

While Gleason said his clients are surprised by the charges they're facing, he didn't deny the activity could have occurred.

"This type of party, though, sometimes get larger, and when parties get larger, there's more probabilities for this type of charge," said Gleason.

An eighth adult, Eric Neves, is charged with corruption of minors for simply attending the party.

The case will now head to trial unless a plea deal is reached.

]]>http://www.statecollege.com/news/altoona-local/hearing-waived-for-adults-accused-of-supplying-alcohol-to-minors,1352300/
Read Morehttp://www.statecollege.com/news/wjac/suspect-shoots-self-after-18hour-standoff-with-police,1352301/Suspect shoots self after 18-hour standoff with policehttp://www.statecollege.com/news/wjac/suspect-shoots-self-after-18hour-standoff-with-police,1352301/
There are new details in an 18-hour police standoff that occurred at a home in Johnstown over the weekend. It happened at a home in the Moxham section of the city and required the assistance of&nbsp;local and state police.&nbsp;The investigation is still early but police say there didn't appear toMon, 22 Jul 2013 17:45:58 -0400

There are new details in an 18-hour police standoff that occurred at a home in Johnstown over the weekend. It happened at a home in the Moxham section of the city and required the assistance of local and state police.

The investigation is still early but police say there didn't appear to be any threats made against them but rather the suspect was threatening his own life. Still police say it's a situation that required the extreme precautions and one that could have taken a turn for the worst at any moment.

Johnstown police said they got called to a home on Forest Avenue on Saturday afternoon by Raymond Mowery's girlfriend, who told them he was holed up inside and wouldn't come out.

"When the officers arrived on scene, they talked to the female and she advised that earlier in the week he had actually pulled a handgun and pointed it at her and threatened her and himself," said Johnstown Police Chief Craig Foust.

Police say Mowery had barricaded himself in a second floor bedroom -- and advised them he had guns - -- that he was going to take his life.

"Obviously we were concerned for the neighbors and the surrounding houses because he did have access to windows and so forth and we were aware that he was relatively heavily armed," said Foust.

Johnstown police secured the scene all day Saturday and received assistance from the Cambria County SERT team and state police who tried to negotiate with Mowery. But police said it wasn't until almost 18 hours later, on Sunday morning, when the standoff came to an end.

"A gunshot was heard from inside the room and officers entered and found him with a self inflicted gun shot wound to the chin," said Foust.

Mowery is facing several charges, including terroristic threats, simple assault and reckless endangerment. Police said Monday he was still being treated at the hospital but is expected to eventually go to jail.

]]>http://www.statecollege.com/news/wjac/suspect-shoots-self-after-18hour-standoff-with-police,1352301/
Read Morehttp://www.statecollege.com/news/wjac/local-hockey-team-trying-to-raise-money-for-a-new-rink,1352266/Local hockey team trying to raise money for a new rinkhttp://www.statecollege.com/news/wjac/local-hockey-team-trying-to-raise-money-for-a-new-rink,1352266/
6news brought you this story a few months ago about the Portage youth hockey team in need of a new rink. It is relying on the community support to help reach its goal.
Money is still tight but the team has a winning mentality. They refuse to give up in hopes to one-day play on a hockey rink.
TheyMon, 22 Jul 2013 17:25:06 -0400

6news brought you this story a few months ago about the Portage youth hockey team in need of a new rink. It is relying on the community support to help reach its goal.

Money is still tight but the team has a winning mentality. They refuse to give up in hopes to one-day play on a hockey rink.

They play hockey on rundown tennis courts, but the the organizations goal is to raise enough money to give the players a rink of their own.

“For for the kids to actually play on a rink that would raise their self esteem so much more,” President of Portage Hockey Association Chris Troxell said.

They set a goal to raise about $120,000, the amount a new rink would cost to build.

“We just got organized this year so we are still in our infancy stage but were doing pretty good with the help of the community and establishments like this,” Troxell said.

The team wanted to have a benefit to help reach its goal. The Portage Italian Club was more than willing to step up, especially to help the youngsters.

People from Johnstown to Ebensburg came together to help with the fundraiser and to turn their goal into a reality.

All money will go directly to the team's fund to build the rink.

]]>http://www.statecollege.com/news/wjac/local-hockey-team-trying-to-raise-money-for-a-new-rink,1352266/
Read Morehttp://www.statecollege.com/news/wjac/cambria-co-chief-of-staff-resigns,1352267/Cambria Co. Chief of Staff resignshttp://www.statecollege.com/news/wjac/cambria-co-chief-of-staff-resigns,1352267/
6 News has learned that Cambria County's chief of staff has resigned. It's a position Dave Knepper has only held since last year.&nbsp;The&nbsp;resignation&nbsp;apparently came last Monday. That's when&nbsp;Knepper's&nbsp;letter of resignation was date. There have been some rumors as to why heMon, 22 Jul 2013 17:20:45 -0400

6 News has learned that Cambria County's chief of staff has resigned. It's a position Dave Knepper has only held since last year.

The resignation apparently came last Monday. That's when Knepper's letter of resignation was date. There have been some rumors as to why he stepped down, so 6 News went to the courthouse to get some answers.

Knepper was appointed as chief of staff for Cambria County last year when Mike Gelles resigned. Kneppers position was part time, but Cambria County president commississoner Doug Lengenfelder told 6 News it's a job that requested long hours, oftentimes a full day.

Lengefelder said Knepper's resignation is something he'd thought about doing before. He said Knepper thanked the county for opportunities he was presented and said he had enjoyed his time but was ready for a change, saying he plans on pursuing other interests and, more important, spending time with his family.

Lengenfelder added that Knepper is a great guy who did a great job and will be missed. He assured 6 News that Knepper was not forced out and that his resignation was all his own.

Lengenfelder said a replacement for Knepper is underway. There's no time frame set for when the position will be filled, but Lengenfelder said it will most likely be an internal hire.

]]>http://www.statecollege.com/news/wjac/cambria-co-chief-of-staff-resigns,1352267/
Read Morehttp://www.statecollege.com/news/altoona-local/george-zimmerman-helps-rescue-family-from-overturned-vehicle,1352154/George Zimmerman helps rescue family from overturned vehiclehttp://www.statecollege.com/news/altoona-local/george-zimmerman-helps-rescue-family-from-overturned-vehicle,1352154/
Channel 9 has learned George Zimmerman helped rescue a family from their overturned SUV in Seminole County last week.
A man, woman and their two children were in the SUV when it crashed about 5:45 p.m. Wednesday in near Interstate 4 and SR-46 in Sanford.
When deputies arrived, they said ZimmermanMon, 22 Jul 2013 13:43:40 -0400

Channel 9 has learned George Zimmerman helped rescue a family from their overturned SUV in Seminole County last week.

A man, woman and their two children were in the SUV when it crashed about 5:45 p.m. Wednesday in near Interstate 4 and SR-46 in Sanford.

When deputies arrived, they said Zimmerman and another man had already helped the victims out of the wreckage.

Authorities said Zimmerman was not a witness to the crash and left after making contact with the deputy.

None of the victims suffered serious injuries.

Zimmerman was acquitted of second-degree murder earlier this month in the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.

]]>http://www.statecollege.com/news/altoona-local/george-zimmerman-helps-rescue-family-from-overturned-vehicle,1352154/
Read Morehttp://www.statecollege.com/news/altoona-local/missing-cambria-county-teenager-found-safe,1352366/Missing Cambria County teenager found safehttp://www.statecollege.com/news/altoona-local/missing-cambria-county-teenager-found-safe,1352366/
Police in Gallitzin, Cambria County, said a teenager previously reported missing had been found safe.
Police had been searching for Shane Watchey, 14, of Gallitzin, since he was last seen July 16 in Altoona, Blair County.
He had not been seen since his father dropped him off for a birthday party,Mon, 22 Jul 2013 08:51:03 -0400

Police in Gallitzin, Cambria County, said a teenager previously reported missing had been found safe.

Police had been searching for Shane Watchey, 14, of Gallitzin, since he was last seen July 16 in Altoona, Blair County.

He had not been seen since his father dropped him off for a birthday party, police said.

Police said Watchey was found safely and returned home Monday. The circumstances surrounding his finding were not made available.

]]>http://www.statecollege.com/news/altoona-local/missing-cambria-county-teenager-found-safe,1352366/
Read Morehttp://www.statecollege.com/news/altoona-local/police-searching-for-cambria-county-teenager,1351905/Police searching for Cambria County teenagerhttp://www.statecollege.com/news/altoona-local/police-searching-for-cambria-county-teenager,1351905/
Police in Gallitzin, Cambria County, are seeking the public&rsquo;s help in locating a teenager.
Police have started searching for Shane Watchey, 14, of Gallitzin.
Police described Watchey as 5 feet 1 inch tall, weighing 110 pounds with short brown hair and dark brown eyes. Police said WetcheyMon, 22 Jul 2013 08:51:03 -0400

Police in Gallitzin, Cambria County, are seeking the public’s help in locating a teenager.

Police have started searching for Shane Watchey, 14, of Gallitzin.

Police described Watchey as 5 feet 1 inch tall, weighing 110 pounds with short brown hair and dark brown eyes. Police said Wetchey may have recently cut his hair, and may be bald.

He was last seen July 16 on Ruskin Drive in Altoona, when his father dropped him off for a birthday party, police said.

Police asked anyone with information about Wetchey’s whereabouts to contact them at 814-886-4014.

]]>http://www.statecollege.com/news/altoona-local/police-searching-for-cambria-county-teenager,1351905/
Read More